WO2020018054A2

WO2020018054A2 - Ultrasonic water-closet cleaning and hygiene machine

Info

Publication number: WO2020018054A2
Application number: PCT/TR2019/050447
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mehmet Orhan; Kadir ASAR
Original assignee: Pamukkale Universitesi
Priority date: 2018-07-19
Filing date: 2019-06-17
Publication date: 2020-01-23
Also published as: WO2020018054A3; TR201810328A2

Abstract

The present invention relates an ultrasonic cleaning machine (A) in order to be used in cleaning sanitary structures and comprising a chamber (10) wherein liquid and/or solid dirt is collected and a discharge channel (20) connected to said chamber (10), said ultrasonic cleaning machine (A) comprises at least one ultrasonic transformer (30) which provides cleaning of the region, where it is positioned, by means of ultrasonic waves and positioned at the chamber outer surface (11) which forms the outer surfaces of said chamber (10) and/or at the chamber outer surface (11) which forms the outer surfaces of the discharge channel (20), a driver system (80) which gives the required command for the operation of said ultrasonic transformer (30), an air compressor (70) which provides the required air for clogging of said discharge channel (20); said ultrasonic cleaning machine (A) is characterized by comprising an additional pipe (51) positioned between said discharge channel (20) and the sewage system, a balloon (50) placed inside said additional pipe (51) and inflated by the air coming from the air compressor (70), and which provides clogging of the discharge channel (20).

Description

ULTRASONIC WATER-CLOSET CLEANING AND HYGIENE MACHINE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to ultrasonic cleaning machine which provides cleaning of sanitary surfaces by means of ultrasonic transformers.

The present invention particularly relates to ultrasonic cleaning machine which provides cleaning of the dirt, which is in liquid and/or solid form and accummulated in the chamber, by means of ultrasonic transformers, as a result of clogging of the discharge channel by the balloon which gained volume by means of the air coming from the compressor.

KNOWN STATE OF THE ART

Cleaning has been one of the most important needs of people during history. Among the items where cleaning and hygiene are mostly needed, sanitary structures like water-closet, bidet, bath-tub and bath chamber are the most important ones. According to the researches made by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, there are 2.5 billions of people in the world who cannot reach a hygienic toilet system. As a result of the researches made by the International Environmental Health Organization, the proportion of households without a clean and hygienic toilet has been determined to be 31 .3%. The sanitary structures used in the living areas used densely (particularly in shopping centers, education institutes, cinemas, restaurants, houses and work places, hotels, etc.), the purification of microorganisms which affect human health bears importance.

In the present applications, cleaning of living areas is realized mostly by humans by using various chemical cleaners. Since cleaning is realized by means of said chemical cleaners, problems like irritation on the skin and respiration difficulty occur. Another problem which occurs because of the chemical cleaners is that the house cleaning and disinfectant products mix in water and dirty the water existing under the ground and over the ground. Moreover, said cleaning and disinfectant products sometimes react with soil and lead to formation of new compounds and these compounds affect living being health and envrionment in an unfavorable manner. The usage of cleaning products in closed medium like baths, toilets leads to subjecting of the cleaning stuff and the other household stuff to said air polluters, and this brings vital risks together. The volatile organic compounds of some cleaning chemicals like glycol ether based on ethylene are among the poisonous air polluters. On the other hand, the primary and non- poisonous ingredient of the cleaning chemical transforms into a secondary poisonous polluter which compromises human health because of the terpene-ozone reaction inside the medium. In this case, the ingredient of the cleaning products leads to air pollution in closed living areas and threatens human health.

As a result of the searches made in the national and international patent literature related to ultrasonic cleaning machines, applications have been accessed which form the known state of the art. Said application documents have been given below.

The patent application with application number US20150013054 A1 relates to a system which aims to minimize water usage and which provides removal of urea and gaita, existing in the water-closet, by means of plates. It is aimed to clean the plates by means of ultrasonic method.

The patent document with application number US8083864 B2 relates to filling of the water- closet with water after the water-closet hole is closed by the plug at the end of the cleaning device and the cleaning process covers the lateral surfaces of the water-closet. The device is controlled by the user when the cleaning process is started. However, said cleaners do not provide an easy usage experience, and they lead to sputtering after cleaning, and as a result, hygiene problems occur.

In the patent application with application number WO0157325 A1 , urea and solid excrements are separated for providing water saving and the stored urea is used for cleaning solid excrement. In WO01060677 A1 document which is a similar patent application, it is recommended that urea and solid excrement are stored separately in wagon toilets and that urea is used for cleaning the solid excrement from the water-closet and that the stored solid excrement is discharged to the determined locations on the railway by means of pressured air.

The patent application with application number CN100443677 relates to drying of solid excrement by means a microwave heater for recycle purpose and providing disinfection in the water-closet. In the patent application with application number DE102006023020 A1 , the water used as cleaning liquid is sprayed to the water-closet bowl and ultrasonic cleaning is provided by means of a thin water film layer formed on the chamber surface. However, in this embodiment, the amount of water to be used is not determined and it can be considered as a disadvantage that the thin film layer thickness is kept as thin as comparable with the ultrasonic bubble dimensions. Additionally, the mentioned study is not based on cleaning of the tenacious layer at the bottom of the water-closet existing under the toilet chamber.

In the patent with application number KR101 1 13049 B1 , a thin surface is disclosed which is suitable for the placement of ultrasonic transformers inside the water-closet bowl, and thanks to this surface and thanks to said ultrasonic transformers, the cleaning process is aimed to be started after water is filled into the water-closet bowl. In said system, a pump embodiment is used which provides discharge of the water, received from the chamber, to the water- closet bowl back again, in order to provide discharging of the water filled to the water-closet bowl. It is seen that during cleaning, the operation of the pump leads to excessive energy consumption.

As a result, because of all of the abovementioned problems and because of the insufficiency of the present solutions about the subject, an improvement is required in the related technical field.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to ultrasonic cleaning machine which is environment-friendly and which cleans sanitary surfaces by means of ultrasonic transformers, for eliminating the above mentioned disadvantages and for bringing new advantages to the related technical field.

The main object of the present invention is to provide purification of physical dirt layers from sanitary surfaces by using ultrasonic transformers and by protecting environment and human health.

Another object of the present invention is to provide cleaning of sanitary surfaces by using suitable amount of water without needing any chemical or cleaning product. Thus, a cleaning process is realized which is deemed to be environment-friendly. Said full automatic ultrasonic cleaning machine provides hygiene and removal of the dirt from the surface without needing portable transformers and plugs. Moreover, no equipment like brush, spray and fountain is needed.

By means of the present invention, dirt and lime layers are separated from the surface and cleaned by means of cavitation formed by ultrasonic waves on the surface. Cleaning becomes possible not only on flat surfaces, but also on recessed and protruded surfaces.

One of the advantages provided by the present invention is that the ultrasonic transformers can be associated with the water-closet chamber and to the surfaces of the discharge channel related to polluters directly.

Another advantage provided by the present invention is that the discharge pipe has a continuously open structure which is not clogged by excrement since it has a cylindrical balloon mechanism.

Another advantage provided by the present invention is to provide cleaning by means of minimum water consumption. By making saving from water, the usage of fresh water sources is prevented. Moreover, as a result of heating of water until the vicinity of 50°C inside the reservoir or by means of different heating methods, the microorganisms are reduced or eliminated. Thus, besides cleaning, a hygienic medium is provided.

In order to realize all of the abovementioned objects, the present invention is an ultrasonic cleaning machine in order to be used in cleaning sanitary structures and comprising a chamber wherein liquid and/or solid dirt is collected and a discharge channel connected to said chamber, said ultrasonic cleaning machine comprises:

• at least one ultrasonic transformer which provides cleaning of the region, where it is positioned, by means of ultrasonic waves and positioned at the chamber outer surface which forms the outer surfaces of said chamber and/or at the chamber outer surface which forms the outer surfaces of the discharge channel,

• a driver system which gives the required command for the operation of said ultrasonic transformer,

• an air compressor which provides the required air for clogging of said discharge channel;

said ultrasonic cleaning machine is characterized by comprising:

• an additional pipe positioned between said discharge channel and the sewage system, • a balloon placed inside said additional pipe and inflated by the air coming from the air compressor, and which provides clogging of the discharge channel.

In order to understand the embodiment of the present invention and the advantages together with additional elements, they shall be evaluated together with the figures whose description is given below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 is the cross sectional view of ultrasonic cleaning machine assembled to the sanitary structure.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

A. Ultrasonic cleaning machine

10. Chamber

1 1 . Chamber outer surface

20. Discharge channel

21 . Dicharge channel outer surface

30. Ultrasonic transformer

31 . Transformer housing

40. Fixing unit

50. Balloon

51 . Additional pipe

60. Sensor system

70. Air compressor

71 . Compressor air pipe

80. Driver system

90. Support arm

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In this detailed description, the subject matter improvement is explained with references to examples without forming any restrictive effect only in order to make the subject more understandable. Said invention relates to an ultrasonic cleaning machine (A) which cleans sanitary structures like bath-tub, water-closet and bidet by means of ultrasonic transformers (30) and assembled to said sanitary structures. In Figure 1 , the cross sectional view of ultrasonic cleaning machine (A) assembled to the sanitary structure is given. Said sanitary structure comprises a chamber (10) wherein solid and/or liquid dirt is collected and a discharge channel (20) whose one end is connected to said chamber (10) and which provides advance of the dirt towards the sewage system. The surface of said chamber (10) which is not in contact with the solid and/or liquid dirt is described as the chamber outer surface (1 1 ) and the surface of the discharge channel (20) which is not in contact with the solid and/or liquid dirt is described as the discharge channel outer surface (21 ).

In the ultrasonic cleaning machine (A) provided by means of the subject matter invention, there are ultrasonic transformers (30) positioned at different points of chamber outer surface (1 1 ) and at different points of the discharge channel outer surface (21 ). The effect which provides formation of pressure waves from electrical signal is called piezoelectric effect. This effect is generally obtained in ultrasonic frequencies. In terms of this, ultrasonic transformers (30) are devices which provide transformation of electrical signal-pressure wave by means of piezo-electric materials. Said ultrasonic transformers (30) provide cleaning of the section where they are positioned and the section in the vicinity thereof. When the ultrasonic cleaning machine (A) is operated, ultrasonic waves are formed thanks to the ultrasonic transformers (30), and these waves move in the chamber outer surface (1 1 ) whereon the ultrasonic transformers (30) are associated and on the discharge channel outer surface (21 ), and these waves form cavitation bubbles inside the chamber (10) filled with water and dirt. While the compression and expansion waves form compression and expansion cycles in water, the pressure which decreases during expansion decreases below the evaporation pressure of water at the given temperature, and said cavitation bubbles occur. Mechanic cleaning is realized in said sanitary structure by means of these microscopic bubbles. Moreover, there are transformer housings (31 ) which provide positioning of ultrasonic transformers (30) on the chamber outer surface (1 1 ) and the discharge channel outer surface (21 ). Thanks to the transformer housings (31 ), in cases of maintenance and repair, the ultrasonic transformers (30) can be easily removed from their places. There is a fixing unit (40) behind each ultrasonic transformer (30) for providing fixation of said ultrasonic transformer (30) to the sanitary structures which are formed by the chamber (10) and by the discharge channel (20) and for providing continuous contact. Said fixing unit (40) is formed from an elastic material which allows to press the ultrasonic transformers (30) onto the surface and to provide excellent contact with the surface. As the fixing unit (40); rubber, silicon, plastic, spring or elastic structures, etc. can be used. In the subject matter ultrasonic cleaning machine (A), there is a server system (80) which gives the command required for operation of the ultrasonic transformers (30). The basic components of said server system (80) are the DC power supply unit, micro control unit, isolation unit and power unit. Moreover, in order to prevent heating during operation of said server system (80), cooling fan is provided in the server system (80). The server system (80) which provides operation of ultrasonic transformers (30) shall be kept away from water and from similar liquids. Therefore, the server system (80) shall be placed at a position which is higher than the floor surface where the sanitary structure is seated. By means of the support arm (90) created in the sanitary structure and which is in protrusion form, the contact of the driver system (80) to the floor is prevented.

The ultrasonic cleaning machine (A) operates by means of the power received from the power supply. However, except the mains supply, a secondary chargeable power supply can be used when required. Said power supply meets the energy need for the operation of the system when there is no mains supply.

In the subject matter ultrasonic cleaning machine (A), there is a balloon (50) integrated to the discharge channel (20) provided in the sanitary structure and which provides clogging of said discharge channel (20). Said balloon (50) inflates by means of the air entering therein and it is subjected to volume expansion and clogs the discharge channel (20) and provides remaining of liquid and/or solid dirt and water inside the chamber (10). Moreover, there is an additional pipe (51 ) which provides fixation of said balloon (50) in the ultrasonic cleaning machine (A). The additional pipe (51 ) is a hollow pipe whose one end is fixed to the sanitary structure wall and whose other end is connected to the discharge channel (20). Air compressor (70) is used in a compliant manner to the purpose of inflating of said balloon (50). The air, obtained from the air compressor (70), passes through compressor air pipe (71 ) connected to said air compressor (70) and inflates the balloon (50). During air passage from the air compressor (70) to the balloon (50) through the compressor air pipe (71 ), a sealing gasket is used for providing sealing.

In the structure of said ultrasonic cleaning machine (A), there is a sensor system (60) for checking water level and water temperature inside the chamber (10). In case of a probable overflow and in case the water temperature is outside of the desired ranges, the sensor system (60) is activated and gives warning.

The ultrasonic cleaning machine (A) is controlled by the user. For this purpose, the user presses the Όh-Off” button and activates the transformers (30) provided in the ultrasonic cleaning machine (A). The cleaning time is selected preferably in terms of minutes according to the pollution degree by means of the time adjustment button in the switch embodiment, and the“Start” button is pressed and the cleaning process of the ultrasonic cleaning machine (A) is started. As the ultrasonic cleaning machine (A) is started working, the air compressor (70) works and the air, provided by the air compressor (70), advances inside the compressor air pipe (71 ) and fills into the balloon (50). After the balloon (50) is filled until a determined limit pressure, the air compressor (70) stops working. The balloon (50) thus filled closes the discharge channel (20), and a liquid leak-proof cross section is formed. The chamber (10) provided in the sanitary structure is filled with liquid and the sensor system (60) stops liquid flow in case of overflow risk. The ultrasonic transformer (30) generates compression and expansion waves which can cover the surfaces of the sanitary structure and forms microscopic cavitation bubbles. The cleaning duration is valid for the time slice determined by the user. At the end of this time slice, the ultrasonic transformers (30) stop working. If the aimed cleaning is provided, the“Stop” button is pressed and if the aimed cleaning is not provided, a new duration is entered by the user and the“Start” button is pressed again. The ultrasonic cleaning machine (A) can be operated again until the desired cleaning is provided. The temperature of water provided inside the chamber (10) is checked by the sensor system (60). After the cleaning process is completed, the close button is pressed. Thus, the air inside the balloon (50) is discharged to the environment, and the liquid which remains inside the chamber (10) is transferred to the sewage system through the discharge channel (20).

Claims

1. An ultrasonic cleaning machine (A) in order to be used in cleaning sanitary structures and comprising a chamber (10) wherein liquid and/or solid dirt is collected and a discharge channel (20) connected to said chamber (10), said ultrasonic cleaning machine (A) comprises:

• at least one ultrasonic transformer (30) which provides cleaning of the region, where it is positioned, by means of ultrasonic waves and positioned at the chamber outer surface (1 1 ) which forms the outer surfaces of said chamber (10) and/or at the chamber outer surface (1 1 ) which forms the outer surfaces of the discharge channel (20),

• a driver system (80) which gives the required command for the operation of said ultrasonic transformer (30),

• an air compressor (70) which provides the required air for clogging of said discharge channel (20);

said ultrasonic cleaning machine (A) is characterized by comprising:

• an additional pipe (51 ) positioned between said discharge channel (20) and the sewage system,

• a balloon (50) placed inside said additional pipe (51 ) and inflated by the air coming from the air compressor (70), and which provides clogging of the discharge channel (20).

2. The ultrasonic cleaning machine (A) according to claim 1 , wherein a compressor air pipe (71 ) is provided which transmits air between said air compressor (70) and the balloon (50).

3. The ultrasonic cleaning machine (A) according to claim 1 , wherein a sensor system (60) is provided for checking the temperature inside said chamber (10).

4. The ultrasonic cleaning machine (A) according to claim 1 , wherein a sensor system (60) is provided for checking the liquid level inside said chamber (10).

5. The ultrasonic cleaning machine (A) according to claim 1 , wherein a switch embodiment is provided which activates said driver system (80).

6. The ultrasonic cleaning machine (A) according to claim 1 , wherein in order to provide staying of said driver system (80) at a location which is higher than the floor where the sanitary structure is positioned, a support arm (90), which is in protrusion form, is provided on the sanitary structure.

7. The ultrasonic cleaning machine (A) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a cooling fan is provided for preventing heating during operation of said driver system (80).

8. The ultrasonic cleaning machine (A) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a server system (80) is provided.

9. The ultrasonic cleaning machine (A) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one transformer housing (31 ) is provided for providing connection of the ultrasonic transformers (30) to the chamber outer surface (1 1 ) and/or to the discharge channel outer surface (21 ).